CLF232
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This lesson entitled "Parturition" is supplemental
information and is not required to meet any animal science standard.
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- (CLF200)
Core area:
(CLF230)
AGRICULTURAL CORE CURRICULUM
- -
ANIMAL SCIENCE
Unit title:
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND BIOLOGY (cont.)
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(CLF232)
Topic: PARTURITION
time
taught in years
3 hours
1 / 2
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(Note: This lesson has been geared towards observation of a
calving; the instructor will have to relate the lesson
to swine or sheep in the case of farrowing or lambing)
Topic objectives:
able to:
Learning
outcome #
(B-12) -
Upon completion of this lesson the student will be
Define "parturition."
(B-12; C-3)
-
Discuss the events leading to, during, and after
parturition.
(B-12; C-3)
-
Observe first-hand (or through the use of videotape) the
birth process, making note of events previously discussed
in class.
Special Materials and Equipment: Observation Sheet (included); video
tape of parturition (if live demonstration is not possible)
Evaluation: Testing (including practical problem related to
parturition and post-partum behavior)
TOPIC PRESENTATION:
PARTURITION
DAY 1: DISCUSSION OF PARTURITION
232.1
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ACTIVITY:
As students come in have the word PARTURITION
written on the chalkboard; ask the students to
write down on slips of paper what they think the
word means; collect the slips and read the definitions to the class (without reading names of
course), pointing out the correct definition if
you find it; let the students know that over the
next three days they will be discussing and
observing an animal birth.
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I. Parturition
A. What is it?
1. "the act or process of giving birth"
II. Signs of Approaching Parturition
A. Distended (swollen) udder
B. As parturition approaches fluid contents of udder change from a
watery solution to the thick, milky colostrum.
C. Muscles in the rear of the cow begin to shrink or fall away.
D. There is a noticeable enlargement and swelling of the vulva.
E. Cow becomes extremely nervous and uneasy.
F. Muscular contractions are evident as labor begins.
III. Parturition--Normal Presentation (See enrichment below:
VI Parturition--Abnormal Presentation. See also reference:
Ensminger, "Dairy Cattle Science")
A. Mild labor pains usually start several hours before actual
parturition.
B. The first water bag will appear on the outside, increasing in
size until it ruptures due to its own weight.
C. Immediately after the first water bag, the amniotic bladder
(the second water bag) follows, containing the fetus.
D. When the second water bag ruptures, straining on the cow's
part becomes more pronounced and presentation (actually seeing
the fetus) soon follows.
E. The most common presentation is: (see Ensminger, Dairy Cattle
Science, 1981)
232.2
1. front feet first, followed by nose which is
resting on them.
2. shoulders
3. middle
4. hips
5. hind legs and feet
IV. Newborn Calves
A. A vigorous calf will attempt to stand in about 15 minutes
and usually will be nursing within about 30 to 60 minutes.
B. The weaker the calf, the longer it takes for it to begin
nursing.
1. Human assistance is sometimes necessary to get a calf
to begin nursing (Be sure to restrain the dam before
bringing the calf to her.)
V. The Afterbirth
A. Three to six hours after parturition the placenta (commonly called
afterbirth) is expelled.
B. If the placenta remains in the cow for more than 24 hours,
it must be removed manually.
1. An experienced caretaker or licensed veterenarian
should take charge of removal, since if improperly
done the cow may be rendered incapable of being
rebred.
VI. Enrichment (will take more time than allowed for in lesson):
Parturition--Abnormal Presentation (see Ensminger,
"Dairy Cattle Science," 1981, pp. 80-81.)
A. If presentation is normal and within 1-2 hours after
the first signs of calving, then no assistance is
necessary.
B. If the cow has been laboring for some time without
any progress, or is laboring infrequently, it is usually
necessary to lend assistance to her (go over handout on
abnormal presentations).
1. With posterior presentations (hind feet first), there is
likely to be calving difficulty, including an increased
danger of suffocation due to umbilical cord rupture or
strangulation.
C. Assistance usually consists of fastening small ropes or chains
around the pasterns and pulling the calf outward and
downward as the cow strains. THIS SHOULD BE
DONE ONLY BY AN EXPERIENCED HERDSMAN OR
A COMPETENT VETERINARIAN.
232.3
D. Remember that rough, careless, or unsanitary methods
during this time can cause serious problems for the cow and
calf, including death of the offspring and dam..
DAY 2: OBSERVATION OF PARTURITION
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ACTIVITY:
Arrangements should have already been made with a local
rancher, dairyman, etc. to observe a calving. Remind
students that in order to best observe a natural behavior
it is important they remain as quiet and inconspicuous as
possible. Observation forms (see Appendix 1) should also be
collected at the end of the day in order to assure that all
students have participated in the observation. Forms can be
returned the following day prior to class discussion.
Note: If using a videotape, students should still use the
observation sheet; the instructor may want to stop the tape
periodically to discuss what is occurring with the class.
Introduction:
Before leaving on the field trip, remind
students of the kind of the events they may observe.
Students should also be told to write down as much detail as
possible about what they observe. This will make the birth
process clearer to them when they discuss those observations
tomorrow. If the instructor feels it would be more effective,
she/he may break the class into small "observation units".
Each unit then works as a team.
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ACTIVITY (Alternate):
Adopt a pregnant animal (ewe, sow, rabbit, etc.) as a class
project. Have the students maintain the animal, keep records
of food consumption, weight gain, etc. and assist in birth
(use the observation form) and post-natal care.
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OBSERVATION FORM IS ATTACHED
DAY 3:
DISCUSSION OF OBSERVATIONS MADE YESTERDAY
232.4
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ACTIVITY:
Introduction: Break class into groups (or if you used
groups yesterday, have them get back into those groups)
and give them a few minutes to review their notes
(the fact that you collected them also ensures that no
one "left theirs at home") before the discussion.
C. Class Discussion of Observations
C. Take each group and have them report any observations
made, relating that observation to the information
they received in class two days ago.
B. Note any special conditions present during the
observation and discuss how those conditions may
have affected the birth process.
C. Summarize, on the board or overhead, what the students
observed while on the field trip.
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232.5
Observation Form
(Parturition)
Return to Your Instructor After Completion
Name of Individual(s) Making Observation:_____________________________________
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Date of Observation:____________________ Time of Day:_________________________
Location of Observation:______________________________________________________
Species and Breed of Animal Observed:_________________________________________
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Special Conditions (unusual location, extreme weather conditions, etc.):
______________________________________________________________________________
Observations made (be as detailed as possible, even if it seems "silly" or
"stupid"):
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(Use back of worksheet if additional space is needed)
232.6